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Old Man Winter vs. Herbal Wellness

Dec 03, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but also the sickliest. In search of some tips to help us combat the sniffles and coughs this winter, we spoke with Brooke Sackenheim, Director of the Ohio Herb Education Center, to learn more about how to keep our immune systems in top shape.

To start your winter healthy, it’s important to have a healthy digestive system and diet. Decreasing sugar intake and increasing veggies will help you maintain a diet full of vitamins and minerals. There are also many herbs that can support healthy digestion. Brooke offers a few tips to incorporate herbs into your every day routine ...

1. Drink warm and hot beverages often. Instead of a cold frozen latte, try warm chai teas. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, keep the body warm when the temperatures are cold. Adding cinnamon and cayenne to your hot cocoa can also be a tasty warm experience.

2. Adding sage, rosemary, basil and thyme to stews, especially with meats, aids digestion of proteins and fats. Herbs can be added to boxed broths and soups and can kick up the flavor as well.

3. Making a simple herb butter and adding it to roasted veggies and potatoes appeals to even the pickiest of eaters.

When it comes to boosting your immune system, Brooke clarifies some misconceptions, “A common misbelief is that--if you get sick, your immune system is not working or broken. Your immune system is constantly working every day," she says. "When you experience symptoms of illness, that is your immune system doing its best to not only rid the body of the illness but it’s also learning about these invaders for the future."

She cautions against using herbs to try to block a fever or any other type of sickness, because you actually risk getting sicker and taking a longer recovery. “Overstimulating the immune system with herbs can cause inflammation which in turn can lead to chronic disease,” she says. “At the first signs of illness, simply stay home and rest. You are saving your co-workers from catching what you have and you can lessen the severity of the symptoms and sometimes avoid getting sick in the first place.”

Visit the Ohio Herb Education Center gift shop to discover a wide selection of books about herbs and gardening, a variety of dried herbs and herbal teas, plus great gift items for the holidays--including herbal candles, body and bath products, herbal honey and more.

To learn more about herbs and upcoming classes, head over to OhioHerbCenter.org or call the Ohio Herb Education Center at 614-342-4380.